There is great interest in environmental assessment of buildings. Formas has for a long time supported research, development and implementation in this area. During the seminar at this year's energy meeting, there was discussion of different Swedish and foreign methods and the views of various players on how these can be used. Among those attending there were representatives of researchers, architects, the Ministry of Environment, authorities, construction firms, property companies, non-profit making housing enterprises and insurance companies.
Must be simple and provide impetus
There are many environmental and energy labelling systems on the national and international market. Some examples are the EU's GreenBuilding, the American LEED and the environmental classification of the Bygga-bo dialogue. In 2008, a draft for the Swedish environmental classification system was presented, and this is now being developed by the Bygga-bo dialogue. An implementation group has recently decided that the system is to be called Environmentally Classified Building. Bengt Jansson, the person responsible for the environment at Vasakronan, was one of those who emphasised the importance of a national system.
- Our requirements for a classification system are that it should be simple, well anchored and provide the impetus for constant improvements in existing buildings. And it should work for all types of buildings. I believe that Environmentally Classified Building has the prospects of becoming the system on which we can all agree, he said.
Still to be solved
A few items remain to be solved before Environmentally Classified Building can be launched on a broad front. These are overall responsibility, marketing, criteria for new construction and a manual for users. Bengt Wånggren, Swedish House Property Owners' Association, presented plans for the formation of a "Swedish Green Building Council".
Several of those taking part thought that it would be good if this "Council" were to become the principal for both Environmentally Classified Building and other environmental assessment systems. In the UK there has been a requirement since 2008 for environmental classification when buildings are sold.
- The UK has been the pioneer in this field and it would not surprise me if such a requirement were introduced in the Swedish building regulations also, said Mauritz Glaumann, KTH and Gävle University College.
Author
:
Birgitta Johansson
Formas
Literature:
The folders EcoEffect and Miljöbedömning by Novartis and Hamnhuset can be downloaded from www.formas.se, as well as the brochure Miljöbedömning av byggnader – några utländska metoder. Hard copies can be requested from lena.jansson@formas.se